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Senior Ranger
Northern Parks & Forests Regional Operations; Management & Operations; Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services & Partnerships; Flexible within Northern Region - Cairns preferred
Join Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service as a Senior Ranger – Visitor Management!
Lead with purpose in Queensland’s spectacular Northern Region. In this dynamic role, you’ll manage a dedicated team, deliver impactful visitor projects and collaborate with First Nations communities and stakeholders to support sustainable park use. Use your leadership, planning, and communication skills to shape visitor experiences across protected areas, including CYPAL parks. Project management experience and knowledge of relevant legislation will be highly valued.
Location: Northern Region QLD.
Apply now to protect nature and connect people to Queensland’s unique landscapes.
Job details
| Position status | Permanent |
|---|---|
| Position type | Flexible full-time |
| Occupational group | Primary Industry & Environment |
| Classification | AO5 |
| Workplace Location | Cairns region,Far North Qld |
| Job ad reference | QLD/642816/25 |
| Closing date | 27-Jun-2025 |
| Job duration | |
| Contact person | Beth Mitchell |
| Contact details | Ph: 0497 539 170 Access the National Relay Service |
Help shape the future of visitor experiences in Queensland's most iconic landscapes!
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is seeking a dynamic and motivated Senior Ranger - Visitor Management to join our Northern Region team. In this exciting leadership role, you'll support sustainable visitor use of some of the most ecologically and culturally significant parks and forests in the country—including Cape York Peninsula Aboriginal Land (CYPAL) National Parks.
As Senior Ranger, you'll work closely with the Assistant Principal Ranger - Park Services and contribute to a range of strategic and on-ground projects that balance conservation outcomes with public access, enjoyment, and safety.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading and supervising a small team of passionate rangers, providing mentorship, motivation, and performance management.
- Participating in multi-disciplinary project teams to plan, coordinate and deliver projects focused on visitor infrastructure, access, and experience.
- Coordinating the collection and analysis of visitor data and trends to guide evidence-based planning.
- Producing high-quality visitor information products, including signage, brochures, and digital content.
- Contributing to visitor management strategies with a strong focus on collaborative planning for CYPAL parks, working alongside First Nations partners.
- Engaging with a diverse range of stakeholders including Traditional Owners, community groups, government agencies, and the tourism sector.
- Developing guidelines, performance standards, and indicators to improve visitor management across protected areas.
- Applying knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Recreation Areas Management Act 2006, to ensure best-practice park management.
- Managing time and resources effectively, prioritising tasks and delivering quality outcomes in a dynamic environment.
What we're looking for:
- A confident, experienced leader with demonstrated skills in team supervision, coaching and collaboration.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across cultures and sectors.
- Strong project coordination and organisational skills—able to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.
- A strategic thinker who can contribute to the planning of long-term visitor management outcomes.
- Knowledge of, or the ability to quickly acquire, relevant legislation, policies and procedures related to protected area management.
- Practical experience in preparing visitor information materials and interpreting visitor trend data.
- An understanding of project management principles and techniques (highly regarded).
Why work with us?
When you join QPWS, you're not just taking on a job — you're stepping into a career what makes a tangible difference. You'll help protect Queensland's natural treasures while ensuring visitors can safely enjoy and connect with them.
We offer:
- A supportive and inclusive workplace culture.
- Opportunities to work on world-class protected areas.
- Flexible work arrangements and great work-life balance.
- Professional development and training pathways.
- The chance to work in partnership with Traditional Owners and local communities.
About Rangers and QPWS:
Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (part of the Department of Environment, Science and Innovation) manages over 13 million hectares of land and sea, including national parks, state forests, marine parks, and conservation reserves. Rangers play a vital role across five operational areas: Visitor Management, Estate Management, Pest Management, Fire Management.
Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/642816/25
Closing Date: Friday, 27 June 2025
Further information
We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.
Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.
Documents
Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.
